Jamie Vardy has continued his prolific season by scoring two goals - including a looping volley from 25 metres - to guide Leicester to a 2-0 win over Liverpool, preserving the team's three-point lead in the Premier League.

The England striker's stunning, long-distance strike on Wednesday (AEDT) put Leicester ahead in the 60th minute and he made it 18 goals for the season with a shot from close range in the 72nd after running onto Shinji Okazaki's deflected effort.

After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Leicester is providing the most unlikely title challenge in the 24-year history of the Premier League.

With 14 games left this campaign, Leicester is closing in on a Champions League qualification place and is now a definite title contender - especially if Vardy maintains his form.

Arsenal dropped five points behind Leicester after a goalless draw against Southampton.

Arsene Wenger's side found Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster in top form at Emirates Stadium and the north London side have now taken just three points in four games.

Laurent Koscielny should have put the Gunners ahead after 70 minutes when Ozil found him in front of goal with Forster off his line but he headed over.

Manchester City kept its title challenge alive with a 1-0 away win against Sunderland while Tottenham Hotspur maintained their challenge for a Champions League spot with a 3-0 crushing of Norwich City at Carrow Road.

It was also a good evening for under-fire manager Louis Van Gaal as Manchester United scored a convincing 3-0 over Stoke City at Old Trafford.